This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Buick Enclave electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Buick Enclave have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 57,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Enclave | 61 |
| 2009 Enclave | 16 |
| 2010 Enclave | 17 |
| 2011 Enclave (this page) | 19 |
| 2012 Enclave | 17 |
| 2013 Enclave | 11 |
| 2014 Enclave | 23 |
| 2015 Enclave | 13 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 19 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 15 model years of Buick Enclave in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 Buick Enclaves report a wide range of electrical faults. The most serious are complete stalls without warning at highway speeds (25–70 mph), leaving drivers with no power steering, brakes, or engine function—one case involved a dead short that fried the ECM and throttle body, leaving five people stranded six hours from home. Battery and charging failures are common: vehicles won't start without a jump, alternators fail around 85,000 miles, and remote entry stops working. One owner discovered a firewall crack allowing water into the cowl, shorting the fuse block and corroding connectors; the dealership said the car was lucky not to catch fire.
Water intrusion during rain also appears to disable speakers and warning sensors intermittently. Other complaints include liftgate opening on its own, power windows and locks that work sporadically, daytime running lamps dimming unpredictably, and unresponsive rearview camera alerts. Some owners report stalling paired with traction control warnings, ignition-switch-related chime failures, and a case of an electrical fire destroying the entire vehicle while parked.
A few complaints mention persistent power loss and rough running even after extensive repairs (catalytic converters, O2 sensors, etc.). No consistent diagnostic codes appear across failures, and dealers often cannot pinpoint root causes. GM has declined assistance on most claims, citing vehicles as past warranty or not defective.
Same Buick Enclave electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Complete engine shutdown while driving
Engine and electrical systems cut out without warning at highway speeds, leaving driver without power steering, brakes, or ECM function. In one case, a dead short in the electrical system fried the ECM and throttle body. No warning lights or OnStar alert preceded the failure.
When: Various speeds 25–70 mph; mileages not consistently stated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls mid-drive with no warning lights; Loss of power steering and brakes; Inability to restart; ECM shutdown; Check engine light after stall
Codes mentioned: No codes retrieved by technicians
Repairs/costs cited: ECM and throttle body replaced; battery and alternator tested as good in at least one case; repair costs not detailed by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall in place; GM case #8-286830 filed but denied assistance citing vehicle past warranty
Battery and charging system failure
Battery drains or fails to hold charge; vehicle will not start without jump; alternator diagnosed as failed in at least one case. Remote entry also may not function when battery is depleted.
When: ~48,000 miles (complaint #4); ~85,000 miles (complaint #8); within days of purchase in complaint #9; variable in complaint #18
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start without jump; Remote entry inoperative; Key stuck in ignition; Engine keeps running after key removed; Intermittent starting after battery replacement; Battery not holding charge
Codes mentioned: Low cranking amps (complaint #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted; alternator replacement needed (complaint #8); some owners report issue recurs after replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined assistance (complaint #2), citing no product defect. Service bulletin issued per insurance adjuster in complaint #2
Water intrusion causing electrical short and corrosion
Crack in firewall allows water to enter cowl area, shorting the fuse block and corroding connectors. Owner was told by dealership that vehicle was lucky not to catch fire.
When: Discovered November 2015; timing of crack formation not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Key stuck in ignition; Corroded connectors and shorted fuse block
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified crack in firewall and water damage; repair cost not disclosed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined assistance, citing product defect was owner's responsibility. Dealership mentioned service bulletin issued for this issue
Electrical fire
Vehicle caught fire from electrical source while sitting in driveway with engine off. Black smoke and flames burst from engine compartment within seconds. Fireman confirmed electrical fire.
When: 2011 model purchased October 2010; fire occurred after vehicle became stuck in snow
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke from engine compartment; Flames burst from vehicle; Popping noises from engine; Complete engine and interior destruction
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss; no repair attempted
Crankshaft sensor failure preventing start
Faulty crankshaft sensor present on vehicle at time of used-car sale; dealership failed to disclose or repair before sale. Vehicle will not crank.
When: 48,076 miles (3 days after purchase on 11/4/19); failure occurred 11/17/19 at 48,124 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not crank
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replacement needed
Stalling with traction control warning and inability to restart
Vehicle stalls while driving at low speed (25 mph) when traction control warning indicator illuminates. Engine will not restart after stall; recurs once or more. Alternator diagnosed as failed.
When: ~85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control off warning indicator; Vehicle stalls while driving; Unable to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no recall, vehicle past warranty
Check engine light, power loss, and rough running after major repairs
Vehicle exhibits loss of power on cruise control, shaking, and rough idle with RPM hunting between 1–2 after recent purchase. After extensive repairs including tune-up, catalytic converters, O2 sensors, and more, issue persists. Service traction control and StabiliTrak lights now illuminate.
When: Within 2 months of purchase; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Loss of power on cruise control; Vehicle shaking and vibration; RPM hunting 1–2; Service traction control light; StabiliTrak warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Tune-up, 2 catalytic converters, 3 O2 sensors, gasket manifold, oil change, struts, shocks, rear sway bar links, and air filter replaced; issue unresolved
Water-related electrical failures when raining
Multiple electrical components malfunction during or after rain: speakers stop working, warning sensors fail, and general electrical functions become unreliable.
When: Occurs when raining; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Speakers stop working in rain; Warning sensors fail in wet conditions; General electrical component failure
Brake performance and acceleration issues
Brakes continuously scrubbing and unable to stop vehicle in time even after pad and rotor replacement. Separate acceleration issue requiring flooring pedal to achieve speed. May be related to underlying electrical problem affecting brake and throttle systems.
When: Since acquisition of vehicle; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous brake scrubbing; Inadequate braking distance; Nearly ran off road; Acceleration lag and unresponsiveness
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes and rotors replaced; issue persists despite mechanic finding no visible defect
Dimming daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps dim unpredictably at any speed or moment without driver action. Recurs repeatedly even after repair attempt.
When: ~90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Daytime running lamps dimming
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Power window and door lock electrical failure
Passenger side front window and door exhibit sporadic, recurrent non-function of power window and lock. Dealership unable to duplicate problem and refuses to repair.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Sporadic passenger window non-function; Sporadic passenger door lock failure; Passenger door unlocking while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical harness replacement estimated at 800–900 dollars; dealership refused to repair
Ignition switch-related door chime and radio control defects
Door open chime does not sound when key is in ignition and vehicle is off. When key is removed and driver door opened, radio refuses to turn off. Both conditions indicate ignition switch electrical issues.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: No chime when doors open with key in ignition; Radio will not turn off when key removed and door opened
Service airbag warning light intermittently illuminating
Dashboard prompts 'SERVICE AIR BAGS' upon ignition, then clears after about a mile, only to reappear. Concerning given reported Takata airbag failures across GM lineup.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light appears on startup; Warning clears briefly then reappears
OnStar and airbag notification failure
After collision at 25 mph, only ignition shut off airbag deployed; OnStar failed to notify emergency services. Occurred after two prior airbag recalls.
When: After completion of second airbag recall; second impact same day after second recall completed
Symptoms owners cite: OnStar notification failure after impact; Airbag deployment partial or delayed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two airbag recalls completed (June–July 2013)
Liftgate independent operation
Liftgate opens and closes on its own without user input or warning. Dealer diagnosed defective liftgate switch.
When: 10,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate operates independently without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Liftgate switch replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repaired under NHTSA campaign 15V415000 (Structure)
Rearview camera failure and infotainment/turn signal sound system malfunction
Rearview camera fails to emit beeping alert for nearby pedestrians. Infotainment system and turn signal audio fail to function when activated. No warning light.
When: ~180,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rearview camera beep alert does not sound; Infotainment system non-functional; Turn signal sound system non-functional
AC temperature control malfunction
Air conditioning blows hot air on driver side while blowing cold air on passenger side simultaneously, indicating blend door or temperature control electrical malfunction.
When: 36,762 miles (within 2 months of July purchase date)
Symptoms owners cite: AC blowing heat on driver side; AC blowing cold on passenger side
Dashboard lights blinking and door locks cycling on their own
While engine running and vehicle in park, dashboard lights flash and auto door locks lock and unlock repeatedly without user input. Intermittent, not constant.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights blinking; Door locks locking and unlocking automatically
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I walked out and tried to open my car with the remote and it did not work. So I used the key to get in it and tried to start it and nothing. Then I could not get the key out of it either. I was panicked I needed to get to work. My husband later jumped it and took the battery to get looked at. Nothing was wrong with the battery. I drove it a day later and my air conditioning was blowing heat on…
My car would not start on it own. I got a boost and it started up. Went to auto store and turned the car off and removed the key but it kept running for a few minutes. The sales associated tested the battery and said it wasn't getting the proper crack amps. They did not have the battery that I needed in stock, I was able to make it home and turn off and restart the car until the next morning…
I purchased the vehicle on 11/4/19. The dealership, salesman or service department. Didn't inform me or put it in writing that the crankshaft sensor was faulty on the vehicle. John eagle Acura didn't consider safety first. On 11/7/19 at 48,076 miles the vehicle won't crank. It was cold and rainy so I didn't drive the vehicle. On 11/17/19 I drove the vehicle to church at 48,124 miles. When I got…
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Buick Enclave?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 32,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 57,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Buick/Enclave.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.